Is Diet Soda Bad For You?
Also Known As: diet pop, diet soft drink
Short answer
Diet soda is very bad for you and should be avoided at all costs.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
From a medical perspective, even in moderation diet soda is not good for you. Not only is the aspartame ingredient detrimental to your health, but weight gain and elevated sugars are more prevalent in diet soda drinkers compared to those who turn it down. Some researchers have revealed the significant possibility of more vascular events (heart attacks, stroke, etc) occurring in diet soda drinkers.
Because diet sodas contain citric acid it will erode your tooth enamel over time. You can keep that beautiful smile of yours by choosing water or juices instead of diet soda.
Researchers at Northern Kentucky University have found that mixing alcohol with diet sodas can increase your breath alcohol levels compared to non diet mixers. This may be because our bloodstream is able to absorb chemically altered sweeteners more quickly than regular sugar.
Diet sodas have no nutritional value. If you drink diet sodas and are having headaches, mood swings or general muscle aches/spasms on a regular basis then get rid of the sodas and see what happens. Diet sodas can be addicting-that is exactly what this multi-billion dollar industry wants to accomplish. Get rid of them while you can and watch your mood, focus, and waistline change for the better.
Possible short-term side effects
- elevated sugar levels
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cell damage
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headaches
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mood swings
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muscle spasms, aches
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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eroded tooth enamel
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kidney problems
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cell damage
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
- sparkling water
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all-natural soda
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juice
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juice + seltzer
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Zevia Zero Calorie Soda
- No calorie drink
- Rainbow variety pack
- Convenient 12oz cans
- 24-pack
Learn More!
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Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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